DIAGNOSTIC ALTERNATIVES TO ENDOCOSPIC ULTRASOUND IN SUBEPITHELIAL LESIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Subepithelial lesions are a challenge in clinical practice, often requiring a biopsy for a proper diagnosis. Currently, the gold standard is an endocospic ultrasound, which is rarely available. Objectives: Use a systematic review to check the effectiveness of the mucosal incision-assisted biopsy and assess whether it can be an alternative to endocospic ultrasound. Methods: The most relevant studies in the MedLine and SciELO databases were reviewed, and only randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) and meta-analyses were considered. The search strategy used the following combinations of keywords: subepithelial lesion mucosal incision biopsy. The following terms were used to identify the study designs: clinical trials. Results: Seven articles that demonstrated the usefulness of the study technique and diagnostic efcacy were included in the scope of this review. This technique seems safe for biopsies. However, it is controversial for the resection of lesions. It has limitations, such as being more time-consuming. Conclusion: Mucosal incision-assisted biopsy can be considered useful in clinical practice and is still an effective technique and an alternative to endocospic ultrasound